Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of remote management in a network, the network comprising a plurality of nodes to be managed by a remote controller, the nodes being identified each by at least one characterizing parameter corresponding to any of predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter, said at least one characterizing parameter being selected from at least one of: vendor, model, hardware version, firmware version, chipset type, wherein: the remote controller identifies the nodes, by identifying said at least one characterizing parameter of each node; the remote controller accesses a database comprising said predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter associated with respective upgrade procedures and controller firmwares, said upgrade procedures and controller firmwares being specifically configured for each instance of said at least one characterizing parameters, the controller firmwares implementing a uniform set of features among the nodes and enabling the nodes to be managed by the remote controller by means of a uniform set of managing procedures; for each identified node, the remote controller retrieves from said database the specific upgrade procedure and the specific controller firmware, which are associated in said database with the instance corresponding to said at least one characterizing parameter identified for the node; the remote controller executes, for each identified node, the retrieved specific upgrade procedure for loading the retrieved specific controller firmware onto the node; and after loading the specific controller firmware, the remote controller manages the nodes according to said uniform set of features and by using said uniform set of managing procedures, wherein said uniform set of features and said uniform set of managing procedures are the same for all the nodes and each node has a specific stock firmware, implementing a specific stock set of features and requiring the use by the remote controller of specific managing procedures, including said specific upgrade procedure, and wherein the loading of the retrieved specific controller firmware onto each identified node is executed so as to replace the specific stock firmware with the specific controller firmware, whereby the node is enabled to implement said uniform set of features, instead of said specific stock set of features, and the remote controller is enabled to manage the node by using said uniform set of managing procedures, instead of using said specific managing procedures.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein: in said database said predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter are associated with respective configuration extraction procedures, specifically configured for each instance of said at least one characterizing parameters; for each identified node, the remote controller retrieves from said database the specific configuration extraction procedure which is associated in said database with the instance corresponding to said at least one characterizing parameter identified for the node; and before executing the retrieved specific upgrade procedure onto the identified node, the remote controller executes the retrieved specific configuration extraction procedure onto the identified node for extracting its current configuration.
This invention relates to a system for managing and upgrading network devices, particularly focusing on extracting and applying configurations in a targeted manner. The problem addressed is the need for a precise and efficient method to extract and upgrade configurations of network nodes based on their specific characteristics, ensuring compatibility and minimizing errors during the upgrade process. The system involves a database that stores predetermined instances of at least one characterizing parameter, each associated with a specific configuration extraction procedure tailored for that parameter instance. When a network node is identified, the system retrieves the corresponding configuration extraction procedure from the database based on the node's characterizing parameter. Before executing an upgrade procedure, the system runs the retrieved configuration extraction procedure on the node to extract its current configuration. This ensures that the upgrade process is based on the node's actual state, reducing the risk of conflicts or failures. The method ensures that each node is handled according to its unique characteristics, allowing for accurate configuration extraction and seamless upgrades. This approach improves the reliability and efficiency of network management by customizing procedures for different node types and configurations.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein, before executing the retrieved specific upgrade procedure onto each identified node, the remote controller modifies the retrieved specific controller firmware by updating its default configuration so as to conform at least in part to said extracted current configuration.
This invention relates to firmware upgrade systems for distributed control networks, particularly addressing the challenge of ensuring compatibility between new firmware and existing system configurations during upgrades. The method involves a remote controller managing firmware updates across multiple nodes in a network. Before applying a retrieved specific upgrade procedure to each identified node, the remote controller modifies the firmware by updating its default configuration to align at least partially with the extracted current configuration of the node. This ensures that the upgrade process does not disrupt existing settings or operational parameters, maintaining system stability. The method includes identifying nodes requiring upgrades, retrieving the appropriate firmware and upgrade procedures, and extracting the current configuration of each node to inform the modification process. By aligning the default configuration of the new firmware with the node's existing settings, the system minimizes compatibility issues and reduces the risk of operational disruptions during the upgrade. This approach is particularly useful in industrial control systems, IoT networks, or other distributed environments where maintaining configuration consistency is critical. The invention improves upon prior systems by dynamically adjusting firmware configurations to match the target environment, enhancing reliability and reducing manual intervention.
4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein said default configuration is updated at least with respect to Internet connection parameters, enabling the identified node to access the Internet.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to network configuration management, specifically for enabling Internet access in a network node. The problem addressed is the need to automatically configure network nodes to establish Internet connectivity without manual intervention, particularly in dynamic or large-scale network environments. The method involves identifying a network node that requires configuration and determining its default settings. The default configuration is then updated, at least with respect to Internet connection parameters, to enable the node to access the Internet. This includes setting parameters such as IP addresses, DNS servers, gateway addresses, and other network settings necessary for Internet connectivity. The method ensures that the node can communicate with external networks, including the Internet, by applying these updated parameters. The approach is designed to streamline network deployment and maintenance by automating the configuration process, reducing the need for manual setup and minimizing configuration errors. This is particularly useful in scenarios where network nodes are added dynamically or where centralized management of network settings is required. The method may also include additional steps such as validating the configuration, testing connectivity, and applying security settings to ensure proper and secure Internet access. By automating the configuration of Internet connection parameters, the invention improves efficiency, scalability, and reliability in network management, especially in environments with multiple nodes or frequent changes in network topology.
5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein after executing the retrieved specific upgrade procedure onto each identified node, the remote controller sends said extracted current configuration to the identified node.
This invention relates to network management systems, specifically methods for upgrading network nodes while preserving their current configurations. The problem addressed is the risk of configuration loss or corruption during node upgrades, which can disrupt network operations. The solution involves a remote controller that identifies nodes requiring upgrades, retrieves specific upgrade procedures for each node, executes those procedures, and then sends the node's extracted current configuration back to it. This ensures the node retains its original settings after the upgrade. The method includes steps for extracting the current configuration before upgrading, storing it temporarily, and restoring it post-upgrade. The system may also verify the upgrade's success and handle errors if the upgrade fails. This approach minimizes downtime and maintains network stability by preventing configuration loss during upgrades. The invention is particularly useful in large-scale networks where manual configuration management is impractical.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein when the retrieved specific controller firmware cannot be directly loaded onto the identified node, the remote controller loads at least one specific bridge firmware onto the identified node, before loading the specific controller firmware, said at least one specific bridge firmware being suitably configured to restructure a flash memory and/or change a boot loader of the node in such a way that the specific controller firmware can be properly loaded onto it, and wherein said at least one specific bridge firmware is associated in said database with the instance corresponding to said at least one characterizing parameter identified for the node.
This invention relates to firmware management in distributed control systems, specifically addressing the challenge of loading controller firmware onto nodes with incompatible hardware or software configurations. The method involves a remote controller that retrieves specific firmware for a node based on identified characterizing parameters, such as hardware type or current firmware version. If the retrieved firmware cannot be directly loaded, the system loads intermediate bridge firmware onto the node. This bridge firmware restructures the node's flash memory and/or modifies its boot loader to enable compatibility with the target controller firmware. The bridge firmware is pre-associated in a database with the node's characterizing parameters, ensuring the correct intermediate steps are taken. This approach allows seamless firmware updates across diverse node configurations without manual intervention, improving system reliability and reducing downtime. The solution is particularly useful in industrial automation, where nodes may have varying hardware or legacy firmware that would otherwise require manual reconfiguration.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the database comprises a plurality of identification procedures for identifying the nodes and for obtaining from them said at least one characterizing parameter, and for each node, the remote controller executes in sequence at least part of said plurality of identification procedures until it successfully identifies the node obtaining from it said at least one characterizing parameter.
This invention relates to a method for identifying nodes in a network and obtaining characterizing parameters from them. The method addresses the challenge of accurately identifying nodes in a network where multiple identification procedures may be required to successfully obtain the necessary parameters. The system includes a database containing a plurality of identification procedures designed to identify nodes and retrieve at least one characterizing parameter from each. For each node, a remote controller executes these procedures sequentially until it successfully identifies the node and obtains the required parameter. The method ensures robust node identification by systematically applying different procedures until a successful match is achieved, improving reliability in network management and monitoring. The approach is particularly useful in environments where nodes may respond differently to identification attempts, requiring multiple methods to ensure accurate detection and parameter retrieval. The invention enhances the efficiency and accuracy of node identification in complex network systems.
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein said identification procedures are specifically configured to respectively work on said predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter.
This invention relates to a method for identifying and processing specific instances of characterizing parameters in a system. The method addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and analyzing distinct occurrences of key parameters within a dataset, which is critical for applications such as quality control, monitoring, or predictive maintenance. The method involves using identification procedures that are specifically tailored to work on predetermined instances of at least one characterizing parameter. These procedures are designed to ensure that only the relevant instances of the parameter are processed, improving efficiency and accuracy. The method may include steps such as collecting data, filtering the data to isolate the predetermined instances, and applying the identification procedures to these instances. The tailored identification procedures may involve specialized algorithms, thresholds, or criteria that are optimized for the specific characteristics of the parameter instances being analyzed. This approach ensures that the method can adapt to different types of parameters and varying conditions, making it versatile for various industrial or technical applications. The method may also include additional steps such as validating the results or integrating the processed data into a larger system for further analysis or decision-making. By focusing on predetermined instances, the method reduces noise and irrelevant data, leading to more reliable and actionable insights.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the remote controller executes a discovery procedure for discovering the plurality of nodes, including the node identifiers as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and/or media access control (MAC) addresses, and wherein the discovery procedure includes trying to reach the plurality of nodes by using a predetermined IP address and/or MAC address, or by using a scanning procedure scanning a predetermined multitude of IP addresses.
This invention relates to a method for managing a network of nodes, such as IoT devices or sensors, where a remote controller discovers and communicates with multiple nodes to perform tasks like data collection or control. The problem addressed is the need for an efficient and reliable way to identify and interact with nodes in a network, particularly in environments where nodes may have dynamic or unknown addresses. The method involves a remote controller executing a discovery procedure to identify nodes in the network. The nodes are identified using unique identifiers, such as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses or Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. The discovery procedure can operate in two ways: first, by attempting to reach nodes using a predetermined IP or MAC address, which is useful when the addresses are known in advance. Second, the discovery procedure can use a scanning method that systematically checks a predefined range of IP addresses to locate active nodes. This scanning approach is beneficial when the addresses are not preconfigured or are dynamically assigned. Once discovered, the remote controller can establish communication with the nodes, enabling tasks such as data retrieval, configuration updates, or command execution. The method ensures that the remote controller can reliably locate and interact with nodes, even in dynamic network environments. This improves network management efficiency and reduces the risk of communication failures.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein: the database comprises a section for storing the node identifiers associated with their corresponding characterizing parameters; the remote controller executes the identification on the discovered nodes; and for each identified node, the remote controller saves into the database the obtained at least one characterizing parameter in association with the node identifier, as previously discovered during execution of the discovery procedure, so as to fill said section of the database.
This invention relates to a system for managing and identifying nodes in a network, particularly focusing on storing and retrieving node identifiers along with their characterizing parameters. The problem addressed is the need for efficient node identification and parameter management in network environments where nodes may be dynamically discovered and require tracking of their attributes. The system includes a database structured to store node identifiers in association with their corresponding characterizing parameters. A remote controller performs the identification process on nodes that have been previously discovered through a discovery procedure. For each identified node, the remote controller retrieves at least one characterizing parameter and saves it into the database, linking it to the node's identifier. This process populates a dedicated section of the database, ensuring that node identifiers and their parameters are systematically recorded and accessible for future reference. The discovery procedure involves detecting nodes within the network, while the identification process further analyzes these nodes to extract relevant parameters. The database serves as a centralized repository, enabling organized storage and retrieval of node information. This approach enhances network management by providing a structured way to track node attributes, facilitating maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of network operations. The system ensures that node identifiers and their parameters are accurately associated, reducing errors and improving efficiency in network administration.
11. A system comprising a remote controller, a database and a wide or local area telecommunication network, the network comprising a plurality of nodes to be managed by the remote controller, the nodes being network devices managed by the remote controller, having a hardware-based processor, and being identified each by at least one characterizing parameter corresponding to any of predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter, said at least one characterizing parameter being at least one of a: vendor, model, hardware version, firmware version, chipset type, wherein: the database is configured to stores a uniform set of managing procedures, which are uniform among the nodes; the database is configured to store said predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter in association with respective upgrade procedures and controller firmwares, said upgrade procedures and controller firmwares being specifically configured for each instance of said at least one characterizing parameters, the controller firmwares implementing a uniform set of features among the nodes and enabling the nodes to be managed by the remote controller by means of said uniform set of managing procedures; the remote controller is configured to: identify the nodes, by identifying said at least one characterizing parameter of each node; retrieve from said database, for each identified node, the specific upgrade procedure and the specific controller firmware, which are associated in said database with the instance corresponding to said at least one characterizing parameter identified for the node; execute, for each identified node, the retrieved specific upgrade procedure for loading the retrieved specific controller firmware onto the node; after the specific controller firmware is loaded onto each node, manage the nodes, according to said uniform set of features and by using said uniform set of managing procedures; wherein said uniform set of features and said uniform set of managing procedures are the same for all the nodes and each node has a specific stock firmware, implementing a specific stock set of features and requiring the use by the remote controller of specific managing procedures, including said specific upgrade procedure, and wherein the loading of the retrieved specific controller firmware onto each identified node is executed so as to replace the specific stock firmware with the specific controller firmware, whereby the node is enabled to implement said uniform set of features, instead of said specific stock set of features, and the remote controller is enabled to manage the node by using said uniform set of managing procedures, instead of using said specific managing procedures.
A system for managing network devices in a telecommunication network includes a remote controller, a database, and a wide or local area network with multiple nodes. Each node is a network device identified by at least one characterizing parameter such as vendor, model, hardware version, firmware version, or chipset type. The database stores a uniform set of management procedures applicable to all nodes, along with predetermined instances of the characterizing parameters. Each instance is associated with a specific upgrade procedure and controller firmware tailored to that instance. The controller firmware implements a uniform set of features across all nodes, enabling management via the uniform procedures. The remote controller identifies each node by its characterizing parameters, retrieves the corresponding upgrade procedure and controller firmware from the database, and executes the upgrade procedure to load the firmware onto the node. This replaces the node's original stock firmware, which has a specific set of features and requires unique management procedures. After the upgrade, all nodes operate with the uniform set of features and are managed using the uniform procedures, simplifying network administration. The system ensures consistent management across diverse hardware by standardizing firmware and procedures while accommodating device-specific upgrades.
12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein at least two of the nodes differ from each other for said at least one characterizing parameter.
A distributed computing system includes multiple nodes interconnected to perform computational tasks. Each node has at least one characterizing parameter, such as processing speed, memory capacity, or energy consumption, that defines its operational capabilities. The system dynamically assigns tasks to nodes based on these parameters to optimize performance, efficiency, or resource utilization. The system monitors the parameters in real-time and adjusts task distribution accordingly. In one configuration, at least two nodes have different values for the same characterizing parameter, allowing the system to leverage heterogeneous hardware for improved flexibility. This heterogeneity enables the system to balance workloads, prioritize tasks based on node capabilities, or adapt to varying computational demands. The system may also include mechanisms to update or recalibrate the characterizing parameters as conditions change. This approach enhances scalability and efficiency in distributed computing environments by dynamically matching tasks to the most suitable nodes.
13. The system according to claim 11 , wherein said predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter are associated in said database with specific configuration extraction procedures, and, for each identified node, the remote controller is configured to: retrieve from said database the specific configuration extraction procedure which is associated in said database with the instance corresponding to said at least one characterizing parameter identified for the node; and before executing the retrieved specific upgrade procedure onto the identified node, execute the retrieved specific configuration extraction procedure onto the identified node for extracting its current configuration.
This invention relates to a system for managing network devices, specifically focusing on extracting and upgrading configurations in a controlled manner. The system addresses the challenge of safely upgrading network devices by first capturing their current configurations before applying updates, ensuring that configurations can be restored if issues arise during the upgrade process. The system includes a database that stores predefined instances of characterizing parameters, each linked to specific configuration extraction procedures. These parameters help identify the type or state of a network node. When a node is identified, the system retrieves the corresponding configuration extraction procedure from the database based on the node's characterizing parameters. Before executing an upgrade procedure, the system runs the retrieved configuration extraction procedure to capture the node's current configuration. This ensures that the configuration is preserved and can be reverted if the upgrade fails, minimizing downtime and operational disruptions. The approach improves reliability in network management by automating the extraction of configurations before upgrades, reducing manual intervention and human error. The system is particularly useful in large-scale networks where maintaining configuration integrity during upgrades is critical.
14. The system according to claim 11 , wherein each of at least part of said predetermined instances of said at least one characterizing parameter is associated in said database with at least one specific bridge firmware, and wherein the remote controller is configured to: retrieve from said database the at least one specific bridge firmware which is associated in said database with the instance corresponding to the at least one characterizing parameter identified for the node; and before loading the retrieved specific controller firmware onto the identified node, load said at least one specific bridge firmware onto the identified node, said at least one specific bridge firmware being suitably configured to restructure a flash memory and/or change a boot loader of the identified node so that the specific controller firmware can be properly loaded onto it.
This invention relates to a system for managing firmware updates in a networked environment, particularly for nodes that require specific bridge firmware to facilitate the proper loading of controller firmware. The problem addressed is ensuring compatibility and proper installation of firmware updates across diverse hardware configurations, where some nodes may need intermediate bridge firmware to restructure their flash memory or modify their boot loader before the main controller firmware can be applied. The system includes a database that stores associations between specific instances of characterizing parameters (such as hardware identifiers or configuration states) and corresponding bridge firmware. When a remote controller identifies a node requiring an update, it retrieves the appropriate bridge firmware from the database based on the node's characterizing parameters. Before loading the main controller firmware, the system first loads the bridge firmware onto the node. The bridge firmware then restructures the node's flash memory and/or updates its boot loader to ensure the controller firmware can be properly installed. This approach allows for seamless firmware updates across nodes with varying hardware requirements, reducing compatibility issues and installation failures. The system automates the selection and application of bridge firmware, streamlining the update process and improving reliability.
Unknown
January 14, 2020
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